THE NEW POLICY 371 



In two respects, at least, that policy differs 

 from the methods generally adopted by organ- 

 izers of public movements in Great Britain. 

 In the first place it has been sought to keep the 

 working of the society in the hands of men who 

 have a practical acquaintance with the position 

 and the needs of agriculturists, rather than seek 

 to impress the world by a long list of supporters 

 who might carry much weight with " Society," 

 but would not favourably impress the working 

 farmer. In the second place there is no idea 

 of framing, in London, cut-and-dried schemes 

 to which the agricultural districts are expected 

 to adapt themselves, the entire machinery being 

 operated from some office in the Metropolis. 



The aim is, rather, to secure the creation, 

 throughout the country, of the greatest possible 

 number of local co-operative, self-governing 

 associations, each affiliated, it is true, to the 

 central organization, but each fulfilling its own 

 particular purpose according to the special needs 

 of the locality where it exists, and looking to a 

 common centre for advice only, or for the attain- 

 ment of such advantages as require a united 

 effort. In other words, instead of a start being 

 made witli an elaborately organized central body 

 in London, gradually extending the ramifications 

 of its machinery into the country, each rural 



